Leaving Lapland, Filled with Memories

Today it is time to pack up and head home for a little break. This trip to Lapland has been a great trip, I moved via reindeer sled, husky sled and snowmobile. I had my share of poro (reindeer) and ate well, a must in the cold. After busy days I took the traditional steam suana, heated by logs. Thanks to Ari and his planning I learned much, but it is now time to fly. www.taxari.com

Sammy the Sami, Lapland

Winter Swimming in the Gulf of Bothnia

Sampo is the only passenger icebreaker in the world, a shame because it was such a great experience. Plowing through ice was great but the chance to plunge in the icy Gulf of Bothnia will linger in my mind forever.

Food and Fun in Helsinki, Aki Arjola

It is Sunday in Helsinki and a slow morning. Yesterday despite having only 3 hours of sleep the night before I powered through Helsinsi with a vengence, seeing most of what was on my list.

Last night I had dinner with Aki Arjola and his partner in http://www.eatandjoy.com/ a site devoted to Finnish food and special food products. While I did enjoy, fatigue over took me and I headed back to the GLO Hotel for a long deep sleep.

Ulster County's Train Tracks Lead to Sweden, Finland and Australia

I took a break from the desk today and wandered to an old train that I have passed by on the road for years on RT 209. I have loved steel rails since I was a kid. Here in Ulster County the railroad was once a powerful mode of transportation. In fact two houses down from mine an old station has been converted into a very cool home. Every morning I am home I walk the rail tracks that now go through the woods. As I explored the abandoned rail cars today I thought about some trips by train I have recently taken, Sweden, Finland and Australia. There is something so comfortable about a mode of transportation where all you have to do is stare out of the window and watch the world go by, All Aboard.

Lapland, Back to the Arctic Circle

I just got invited to Lapland, Finland with a few jumps across the Swedish border for some winter adventure. I remember the cold crisp air from my last trip above the Arctic Circle to Norway in winter, exhilarating. I will certainly need the beard I have grown recently. Fortunately I do like intense winters because I am sure that will be the case. We will be traveling via horse sleigh, snowmobile, dog sled and ice cutter. It will be several evenings of traditional smoke saunas and nights of Kallio saari known in English as northern light watching via snowshoes. I am sure some bottles of Finlandia and Lapin Kulta (Finnish beer) will fit in with some dishes such as poronkaristys. (reindeer hash) Other activities revolve around learning about the Sámi people, what a gig! Accommodations include cottages along the sea such as Wanha Pappila. Max is right, I’ll go anywhere invited.